Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy reserved special praise for 19-year-old Manzur Okwaro following his stellar performance in Kenya’s 1-0 win over DR Congo in their opening match of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Okwaro, a natural left-sided centre back who features for KCB FC in the FKF Premier League, was deployed in an unfamiliar defensive midfield role by McCarthy—and he excelled.
The tactical switch came as a surprise to many fans at the sold-out Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, but it proved to be a masterstroke. Calm under pressure, aggressive off the ball, and confident in distribution, Okwaro played beyond his years in the engine room.
McCarthy, who was appointed in March 2025, revealed after the game that Okwaro’s role was reimagined following a series of friendlies prior to the tournament.
“I initially considered playing him at left-back based on what I saw in our friendlies,” McCarthy said.
“But after analysing his attributes, I felt he was a perfect fit in midfield. He is young, energetic, and brave—just what we needed to disrupt DR Congo’s plan. He was no doubt one of our best players today.”
Okwaro was making his first-ever start for the senior national team. Although he made his debut off the bench in a friendly against Gabon earlier this year, this outing against the two-time CHAN champions was a significant step up—and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Positioned just behind creative midfielders Alpha Onyango and Austin Odhiambo, Okwaro served as the glue in McCarthy’s 4-3-3 setup. His intelligent reading of the game allowed him to intercept DR Congo’s passes and prevent them from gaining momentum through the middle.
The highlight of his performance was the seamless connection with his fellow midfielders. Alpha Onyango, a known ball carrier from Gor Mahia, and Odhiambo, who scored the match-winner, were given more attacking freedom thanks to Okwaro’s cover.
“Alpha is very comfortable on the ball and can play clean, progressive passes. Austine is creative and scores. Having Manzur do the dirty work behind them was key,” McCarthy explained.
The young midfielder’s grit and willingness to put his body on the line won the admiration of fans and pundits alike. In the 53rd minute, he went down clutching his foot after a crunching challenge, but he brushed off the pain and continued, running tirelessly until he was substituted in the 64th minute to a standing ovation.
Head coach Benni McCarthy praised Manzur Suleiman Okwaro, calling him the best left-footed center-back on the Harambee Stars squad.
courtesy.#GRSport #HarambeeStars #CHAN2025 #CHANMtaani pic.twitter.com/JNRmij3Q0c— Ghetto Radio (@GhettoRadio895) August 4, 2025
Despite being new to the senior team, Okwaro is no stranger to the national setup. He previously captained Kenya’s U20 side and was earmarked as one of the rising stars to watch in the 2025 CHAN squad. McCarthy’s decision to trust the youngster in such a high-stakes match shows the level of confidence he has in his ability.
Kenya started the match under pressure, with DR Congo scoring an early goal that was later ruled out for offside. That scare prompted the Harambee Stars midfield to tighten up, and Okwaro quickly became the stabilizing presence the team needed.
Throughout the first half, he frequently dropped deep to support defenders Alphonse Omija and Aboud Omar, providing an extra layer of protection while allowing the full-backs to push forward. His ability to read the game and win second balls was crucial in limiting the Congolese threat.
As the match progressed, Kenya began asserting control. The build-up to the only goal of the game started with Okwaro winning possession in midfield. He quickly fed Alpha Onyango, who advanced and released Masoud Juma on the left. Juma’s cross was met perfectly by Austin Odhiambo, whose precise finish just before half-time sent the home fans into a frenzy.
After the match, social media buzzed with praise for the youngster. Many fans dubbed him the “midfield general” and credited him for the balance he brought to the team’s play.
With his standout display, Okwaro has now firmly planted himself into the conversation for a starting spot in Kenya’s next match against Angola on Thursday, 7 August.
McCarthy’s praise wasn’t just for the cameras. His words confirmed what the fans saw on the pitch—Manzur Okwaro was the unsung hero in Kenya’s first-ever CHAN victory.
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